DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Final rule; approval of amendment.

Effective August 6, 2014.

30 CFR Part 943

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving an amendment to the Texas regulatory program (Texas program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas proposed revisions to its regulations regarding annual permit fees. Texas revised its program at its own initiative to raise revenues sufficient to cover its anticipated share of costs to administer the coal regulatory program and to encourage mining companies to more quickly reclaim lands and request bond release, thereby fulfilling SMCRA's purpose of assuring the reclamation of mined land as quickly as possible.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

Title 30 published on 2014-07-01

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to Title 30after this date.

The comment period for the proposed rule published July 31, 2014, at 79 FR 44494, is extended. Comments must be received or postmarked by midnight Eastern Standard Time on December 3, 2014.

30 CFR Part 100

Summary

In response to requests from interested parties, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is extending the comment period on the proposed rule addressing Criteria and Procedures for Assessment of Civil Penalties. This extension gives commenters additional time to review and comment on the proposed rule.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Notice of availability of petition to initiate rulemaking; extension of comment period.

The comment period for the petition for rulemaking published on July 25, 2014 (79 FR 43326), is extended. We will review and consider all comments submitted to the addresses listed below (see ADDRESSES ) on or before September 25, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 816 and 817

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), announce a 30-day extension of the comment period on a petition, submitted pursuant to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, (SMCRA or the Act), requesting that we amend our regulations governing the use of explosives to prohibit visible nitrogen oxide clouds. We are requesting comments on the merits of the petition and the rule changes suggested in the petition. Comments received will assist the Director of OSMRE in making the decision whether to grant or deny the petition.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Notice of availability of petition to initiate rulemaking; extension of comment period.

The comment period for the petition for rulemaking published on July 25, 2014 (79 FR 43326), is extended. We will review and consider all comments submitted to the addresses listed below (see ADDRESSES ) on or before September 25, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 816 and 817

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), announce a 30-day extension of the comment period on a petition, submitted pursuant to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, (SMCRA or the Act), requesting that we amend our regulations governing the use of explosives to prohibit visible nitrogen oxide clouds. We are requesting comments on the merits of the petition and the rule changes suggested in the petition. Comments received will assist the Director of OSMRE in making the decision whether to grant or deny the petition.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

BOEM will consider all comments received by midnight of October 20, 2014. BOEM cannot commit to considering comments received after midnight on October 20, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 550, 551, 556, 581, 582 and 585

Summary

BOEM is seeking comments and information regarding its effort to update its regulations and program oversight for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) financial assurance requirements. When BOEM's existing bonding regulations were originally drafted and first implemented, the principal risks associated with OCS leases were non-payment of rents and royalties, noncompliance with laws and regulations, and potential problems due to bankruptcy. While potentially significant, such risks were generally well-known and of limited complexity, size and scope. Due to increasingly complex business, functional, organizational and financial issues and vast differences in costs associated with expanded and varied offshore activities, BOEM has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive program to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and managing the risks associated with industry activities on the OCS. BOEM intends to design and implement a more robust and comprehensive risk management, financial assurance and loss prevention program to address these complex issues and cost differences associated with offshore operations. To do so, BOEM is seeking stakeholder comments regarding various risk management and monitoring activities pertaining to financial risks to taxpayers that may result from activities on the OCS. This notice specifically discusses the bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore oil and gas program. However, we also welcome the submission of comments on the analogous bonding and financial assurance program for BOEM's offshore renewable energy and hard minerals programs. BOEM currently requires lessees to provide performance bonds and/or one of various alternative forms of financial assurance to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of leases, Rights-of-Use and Easements (RUEs) and Pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROWs). BOEM is seeking comments on who is best suited to mitigate risks and whether the correct parties are providing guarantees and other forms of financial assurance, as well as whether, or to what extent, the current forms of financial assurance are adequate and appropriate. Because costs and damages associated with oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR) are covered separately in the regulations, which is the subject of other proposed rulemakings on BOEM's regulatory agenda, BOEM is not soliciting comments on those regulations and their associated risk mitigation measures at this time.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Final rule; approval of amendment.

Effective August 6, 2014.

30 CFR Part 943

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving an amendment to the Texas regulatory program (Texas program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas proposed revisions to its regulations regarding annual permit fees. Texas revised its program at its own initiative to raise revenues sufficient to cover its anticipated share of costs to administer the coal regulatory program and to encourage mining companies to more quickly reclaim lands and request bond release, thereby fulfilling SMCRA's purpose of assuring the reclamation of mined land as quickly as possible.

All comments must be received or postmarked by midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time on September 29, 2014.

30 CFR Part 100

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is proposing to amend its civil penalty regulation to simplify the criteria, which will promote consistency, objectivity, and efficiency in the proposed assessment of civil penalties and facilitate the resolution of enforcement issues. The proposal would place a greater emphasis on the more serious safety and health conditions and provide improved safety and health for miners. MSHA is also proposing alternatives that would address the scope and applicability of its civil penalty regulation.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Notice; availability of petition to initiate rulemaking and request for comments on the petition.

Electronic or written comments: We will accept written comments on the proposed rule on or before August 25, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 816 and 817

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), seek comments concerning a petition, submitted pursuant to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq. (SMCRA or the Act), requesting that we amend our regulations governing the use of explosives to prohibit visible nitrogen oxide clouds. We are requesting comments on the merits of the petition and the rule changes suggested in the petition. Comments received will assist the Director of OSMRE in making the decision whether to grant or deny the petition.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Notice; availability of petition to initiate rulemaking and request for comments on the petition.

Electronic or written comments: We will accept written comments on the proposed rule on or before August 25, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 816 and 817

Summary

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), seek comments concerning a petition, submitted pursuant to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq. (SMCRA or the Act), requesting that we amend our regulations governing the use of explosives to prohibit visible nitrogen oxide clouds. We are requesting comments on the merits of the petition and the rule changes suggested in the petition. Comments received will assist the Director of OSMRE in making the decision whether to grant or deny the petition.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.

The effective date of the final rule and the related information collections is August 1, 2014.

30 CFR Parts 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90

Summary

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information requirements contained in the final rule on Lowering Miners' Exposure to Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors published in the Federal Register May 1, 2014, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The OMB Control Number is 1219-0152.